Shailesh Chandra elected OICA President, becomes first Indian to head global automotive body

Chandra currently serves as President of SIAM, and Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility.

The Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles (OICA) has announced the election of Shailesh Chandra as its new President, effective November 1, 2025. His appointment marks the first time an Indian has been elected to lead the global federation representing motor vehicle manufacturers.

Chandra, who currently serves as President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Managing Director and CEO of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd, succeeds John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (USA).

Commenting on his election, Chandra said: "It is an honour to become the first OICA President from India, which is highlighting the organisation's global representation. As the global automotive industry transitions towards sustainable mobility and pursuits 'Net Zero', in alignment with the visions of governments worldwide, the role of OICA becomes increasingly critical -- to acknowledge the diversity of every region, as we collectively strive to make our vehicles more aspirational, safer and environmentally friendly."

An alumnus of IIT Varanasi and SP Jain Institute of Management and Research, Chandra also holds a Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University. With over two decades of experience at Tata Motors, he has held leadership roles across corporate strategy and electric mobility. His tenure has been credited with driving the turnaround of Tata Motors' passenger vehicle business and establishing its leadership in India's electric vehicle segment.

Alongside Chandra, OICA has also elected Hildegard Muller, President of the Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA), as its Vice President. Muller, a former Minister of State to the German Chancellor and ex-Chairwoman of the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), has led the VDA since 2020 and is known for her work on electrification and trade transitions in Europe's automotive sector.

Founded in 1919, OICA represents 36 national automotive associations across continents. The Paris-headquartered organisation works on global mobility, safety and environmental issues, and plays a key role in harmonising vehicle regulations through the United Nations World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations.